Liver transplant patient seeks donations for surgery

PRINCETON, WV (WVNS) – A local woman in need of funds is assisted by the Salvation Army.

Carol Pendergrass is a mother, and adoptive mother of three young children and a grandmother. She needed a liver transplant, but needed $2,500 dollars for her surgery.

“I took the call and they asked if we offer help with housing. To which I said, Of course. And then she talked about having a friend who needed a liver transplant and needed housing in Pittsburgh. And I knew that we didn’t have anything like that,” said Sgt. Melissa White, the Corp Administrator for The Salvation Army Mercer County Corps, “so I continue to listen to her. And as I listen to her, I discover she needed a liver transplant. And my heart broke because just days before I had lost a dear friend that had had a liver transplant. I was determined we would not let her miss her surgery and lose another person in this community.”

Pendergrass said her disease was unexpected.

“My liver is in stage liver disease, cirrhosis of the liver. They’re pretty sure it came from my arthritis meds,” said Pendergrass.

“Ms. Pendergrass is the epitome of what we do here at the Salvation Army. That’s what sets us aside when we, the Salvation Army, bases, where it places its location on the needs of the community. And that’s how we thrive, is off with the support of the community,” said Sgt. White.

Pendergrass encourages those who can be a donor, to go and get tested.

“They can consider being a living donor. You just lose a portion. It grows back in about three months and it can save some lives,” said Pendergrass.

“As much as she needs financial help, she also needs support from this community. Look at the people around you and do like her friend did. Reach out, do like I’m doing. Respond and let’s make this place a better community,” said Sgt. White.

Those interested in donating to the Salvation Army for their other needs, you can visit this link . While they had the funds at the time, it is with the help of the community that they can continue to assist others.

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